Enjoy the Last Month of Summer 
With These Activity Ideas
While it may seem like summer is winding down as we begin August, ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch is full of energy and excitement  for a schedule of fun. This month is all about activities: how to create, plan, and execute successful activities for those with dementia. This newsletter contains:
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  • Just how important is structure for those with dementia?

  • Self-Care tips for Caregivers
  • Engaging with a purpose, activities that instill usefulness 
  • Get Out & Grill- Trivia to stump your next BBQ guests

Read on.
Sizzling Summer Activities Planned for
ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch! 

ActivCare residents will enjoy an endless summer this August. We have lots of events planned for the month, even a Luau on August 2. Check out all of the festivities scheduled this month.


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The Value of Structure

For those living with memory loss, a sense of present time or date is something that can disappear. This can cause daily confusion, fear and anxiety. The good news is that caregivers can help. By providing loved ones with structure and a regular routine, feelings of stress and anxiety can be reduced. 

Here are some helpful tips for creating a routine in every day:
  • Make every day easy to remember by writing out the daily schedule on a white board. Include helpful hints such as the day of the week, date, and year.
  • Plan stimulating activities during their most energetic hours, plan downtime during times of tiredness.
  • Communicate each event in the day simply and kindly. Avoid getting frustrated when your loved one forgets or gets distracted.
  • Create a "daily special." For example; Mondays are coffee and donuts day, Tuesdays are favorite dessert days, and Wednesdays are omelet days. Daily specials can serve as "markers" to help aid with remembering what day it is. Sundays can serve as "newspaper days," for your loved one to flip through the paper.

Creating a Daily Care Plan
To The Caregiver: T ake Care!

As a family caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's or related dementia, you GIVE so much that it is easy to lose sight of you. But to provide optimum care, you need to learn how to be a careTAKER. Remember:

  • TAKE care of yourself. Your health and well-being (physically, mentally and emotionally) needs to be in top form to provide care!
  • TAKE the time to talk to a trusted friend. If you need to vent, check in, or just clear your head, rely on an ally or confidante.
  • TAKE up the offer to help. Jot a list of small tasks that will really help you out. If someone offers, ask them to run one of those errands or tasks.
  • TAKE a break. Go for a walk, watch the sunset, or take a nap. You need to recharge.
  • TAKE it from others. Visit a Caregiver Support Group to chat with others going through similar challenges. Not all groups are the same. Find one in which you feel at home. 
Meaningful Activities for August 

Provided are some activity ideas that will help with instilling purpose and usefulness into every day.
  • Ask your loved one to sort socks in the laundry. Putting like items together can be helpful.
  • Help them plant a mini herb garden. Plan a time every day to check on the plants and water as needed. Plus, herbs can stimulate the senses.Try planting herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for their captivating aromas.
  • Make a playlist; put a few of your loved one's favorite songs on it that they can listen to when they need a pick-me-up. Add in some interactive instruments such as tambourines or maracas for a stimulating music session.
  • Box it up! Create a memory box filled with items from the past. Throw in pictures, dolls, a baseball, or an old pair of gardening gloves to spark conversation.
  • Find a furry friend. Schedule time for a dementia-friendly animal to visit your loved one. The connection between animal and human transcends all disabilities.
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Get Out & Grill Trivia
Stump your guests with these trivia questions at your next summer barbecue.
  1. The name of this flying creature describes slicing a slab of meat nearly in half and unfolding it flat.
  2. Manual ice cream machines require adding this condiment to the ice before churning the ingredients.
  3. This is the term for applying a seasoned liquid while grilling to keep the food soft and moist.
  4. This is the best time to apply barbecue sauce when grilling.
  5. Salmon is often grilled on this type of wood plank to add flavor.
Answers: 1. butterfly, 2. salt, 3. basting, 4. end of grilling, 5. cedar
ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch  |  850 Duncan Ranch Road  |  Chula Vista, CA 91914
(619) 552-3517  |   ActivCareLiving.com
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